Mounting assembly for night vision display unit

ABSTRACT

A mounting assembly for a night vision display unit uses friction hinges to effectively position the display unit at a desired position relative to the vehicle operator. In a dashboard mounting arrangement, the friction hinge dampens movement of the display unit. In the visor mounted arrangement, the friction hinge assembly and catch assembly ensure convenient, effective storage and deployment of the visor or display unit without one component adversely impacting on the operation and use of the other component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application relates to a night vision system, and moreparticularly to a new assembly for mounting a display unit.

[0002] There is an increased desire to incorporate night vision systemsinto heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and tractors. The nightvision system provides an alternative means of improving visibilityunder difficult driving conditions such as night-time driving, low orno-light conditions, etc. For example, an infrared camera provides analternative forward view from the truck cab and the view is fed to adisplay unit such as a heads-up display. The display unit is preferablymounted in the vehicle or cab compartment in a manner so that thedriver's view of the road through the windshield is not impaired. Onecommon manner of mounting a display unit is to use a pair of bracketsdisposed on opposite sides of the display unit where the brackets aresecured to the vehicle dashboard. This provides a convenient location sothat the driver easily sees the display unit. The brackets orient thedisplay at a fixed angle relative to the driver so that there is novariability of the display unit.

[0003] Another desired location to mount the display unit is from theinterior headliner of the truck cab. Heretofore, this has been difficultbecause of the need to accommodate a visor, storage compartments, etc.The visor function cannot be compromised and the heads up display mustnot introduce sharp edges or protrusions which could injure the driver.Although a swing-down hinge assembly has been suggested, it must stillallow the sun visor to be deployed. Moreover, the display unit must notinadvertently swing down in a manner that would either startle orpotentially bother the driver.

[0004] Accordingly, an improved mounting assembly for a night visiondisplay unit is desired in a vehicle compartment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The preferred mounting assembly incorporates a friction hingeinto the display unit that dampens movement of the display unit.

[0006] A preferred mounting assembly for the night vision display unitpivotally mounts the unit adjacent an upper region of a windshield. Thedisplay unit is movable between storage and deployed positions.Likewise, a visor is pivotally mounted in the vehicle compartmentadjacent an upper region of the windshield. A catch secures at least oneof the display unit and visor in its respective storage position.

[0007] A preferred catch assembly is a magnet mounted on a rear face ofthe display unit and a first striker or magnetically attractive membersecured to the visor and a second striker mounted within the vehiclecompartment. This allows the display unit to be maintained in a storageposition when the visor is either in a deployed position or a storageposition.

[0008] An existing truck cab can be easily modified to incorporate thenight vision system. The display unit is hingedly secured within thecompartment and incorporates a catch/magnet on the rear face thereof.The second part of the latch or striker is secured to the visor, as wellas a second striker being secured to the headliner.

[0009] The present invention advantageously provides a simple, effectivesolution to the known problems.

[0010] The mounting assembly provides for effective adjustment of thedesired orientation of the display unit.

[0011] The mounting assembly also advantageously provides for a heads-updisplay in the visor area without impinging on visor function.

[0012] The preferred mounting assembly also effectively stores thedisplay unit during both the visor storage and deployed positions.

[0013] Still other advantages and benefits of the present invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a night vision display unit.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of the display unit of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the display unit in adeployed state.

[0017]FIG. 4 is schematic representation of a vehicle compartment ortruck cab illustrating mounting of the display unit.

[0018] FIGS. 5-9 are a sequential series of schematic representations ofthe interaction between the visor and the display unit.

[0019]FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a friction hinge.

[0020]FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a hinge support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a preferred form of a video display unit 20associated with a night vision system. The display unit 20 is agenerally thin, rectangular structure that includes a display surface 22that is viewed by a vehicle operator via a pair of reflecting surfaces,namely, first fold mirror 24 and a second surface or combiner 26. Thecombiner has an aspherical surface to provide an augmented view of thedisplay surface 22 as reflected from the first fold mirror 24. Thus,when viewed from the direction of the arrow 28 of FIG. 3, the image isviewed on the surface 22. A video input/output 30 or multi-pin input 32provides a signal from a night vision camera (not shown) as displayed onscreen 22. An on/off control knob 40 and an intensity control knob 42are exemplary controls or switches that provide relatively simplifiedoperation of the display unit. A deployment latch 44 selectively holdsthe mirror portions 24, 26 in a planar, folded storage position (FIG. 1)and when the latch is opened, the mirror surfaces 24, 26 can be deployedto the angled positions as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0022]FIG. 4 schematically represents the interior of a vehiclecompartment such as a truck cab. Seat 50 positions the operator relativeto the dashboard 52 to allow a clear, unobstructed view of the roadahead through windshield 54. In one embodiment, the display unit 20′ ofFIGS. 1-3 is mounted to the dashboard 52, a so-called heads down display(HDD). As represented in FIG. 2, first and second adjustable mountingcomponents or friction hinges 60, 62, to be described in greater detailbelow, are provided on opposite sides of the display unit along a commonedge 64. These mounting components secure opposite edges of the displayunit to the dashboard. As represented by directional arrow 66 in FIG. 4,the display unit can be tilted through a predetermined range ofmovement, although in use the display unit will engage the dashboard andthe reflective mirrors provide an effective heads down display.

[0023] Alternatively, display unit 20″ is mounted adjacent a sun visor70 as also illustrated in FIG. 4 in a heads up display (HUD) format andshown in greater detail in FIGS. 5-9. In this embodiment, the visor 70and display unit 20″ are mounted adjacent the windshield 54, shown hereas being hingedly or pivotally secured along one edge to the lowersurface of a storage compartment 72 or headliner. As shown, either thevisor or the display unit may be selectively deployed or stored. In FIG.5, the visor 70 is secured along a first edge 74 to a pivot or hinge 76.A second or opposite edge 78 of the visor is free to be rotated orpivoted downwardly from its storage position of FIG. 5 to the deployedposition of FIG. 8. The display unit 20″ meanwhile is secured along afirst edge 84 and mounted for rotational movement about a pivot or hinge86. A second or opposite edge 88 is free to move through an arc aboutthe hinge 86.

[0024] Thus, in FIG. 5, the visor and display are both maintained insubstantially horizontal, storage positions. In FIG. 6, the display unit20″ is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction as illustrated to agenerally vertical orientation. The display unit and night vision camerasystem provide for improved road visibility during low light conditions.Additionally, positioning the display unit in the region of the visor ispreferred since it is a natural, ergonomic location that is easy for theoperator to become accustomed to. During daylight operation, the displayunit is easily rotated to the storage position of FIG. 5.

[0025] If it is desired to deploy or use the visor, the display unit 20″is first rotated to its position shown in FIG. 6. Subsequently, thevisor edge 78 is rotated in a clockwise direction about the hinge 76 toa deployed position illustrated in FIG. 7. Thereafter, as is furtherillustrated by reference arrow 90 in FIG. 7, the display unit is rotatedupwardly to the position shown in FIG. 8, i.e., its storage position.This conveniently moves the display unit 20″ out of the way and allowsthe visor to be operated in conventional fashion as desired. These stepsare merely reversed to orient the visor to the storage position of FIG.5. That is, rotating the display unit downwardly to the position shownin FIG. 7, then rotating the visor upwardly to the position shown inFIG. 6, and further rotating the display unit upwardly orients both thevisor and display unit in the storage positions shown in FIG. 5.

[0026] The display unit is easily used in the heads up fashion asillustrated in FIG. 9. The visor and the display unit are oriented inmating, horizontal positions. The display surface 22″ is viewed with theassistance of the first fold mirror 24″ and the combiner 26″. The visoris latched in a horizontal position to the rear of the display unit sothat the visor does not interfere with the heads up display.

[0027]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a friction hinge and hinge support thatfinds particular use with the display unit of the present invention. Thehinge 100 of FIG. 10 is secured with a fastener (not shown) throughfastening opening 102. Thus, these friction hinges are secured atopposite sides of the display unit (20′ or 20″) along one edge andcooperate with the hinge supports 104 of FIG. 11 to secure the displayunit 20′ to the dashboard, or display unit 20″ along a lower surface ofa storage compartment, headliner, or generally horizontal surface withinthe truck cab.

[0028] Since the display unit has a predetermined weight and will besubjected to the vibration and the rigors of road travel, a catchassembly 110 is provided. In the preferred arrangement, the catchassembly includes first and second strikers or catch plates 112, 114secured to the headliner 72 and first or inner face of the visor 70,respectively. For example, the strikers or catch plates are formed of aferrous material that cooperates with a catch member or magnet 116mounted to a rear face of the display unit. As best illustrated in FIG.5, magnet 116 is magnetically engaged to the striker plate 114 on thevisor. Since the hinges 76, 86 of the visor and display unit,respectively, are located in spaced locations, this structuralarrangement advantageously retains the visor and the display unit intheir storage positions. A downwardly imposed force of sufficientmagnitude to overcome the magnetic force allows the display unit to beswung downwardly as shown in FIG. 6. The visor is sufficientlylightweight that it will not inadvertently fall within or obstruct thedriver's view through the windshield.

[0029] When the visor is deployed as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the displayunit is then rotated upwardly to a generally horizontal stored position.There, the catch magnet [116] on the rear face of the display unitengages the striker plate [112] on the headliner. This assures that thedisplay unit is maintained in the stored position and does not interferewith the driver's view of the road while simultaneously allowing thevisor to be fully functional as desired.

[0030] Thus, the friction hinge of the present invention allows thedisplay unit [20′] to be conveniently secured to the dashboard forselective orientation through a limited angle as illustrated byreference arrow [64]. The friction hinge imposes sufficient force sothat once the display unit is located at the desired angle it willdampen any further movement. Similarly, if the display unit isalternatively mounted to the headliner, the friction hinge and catchassembly [110] assure that the display unit remains in its storageposition with the visor (FIG. 5) or maintained in a storage positionwhen the visor is deployed (FIG. 8). This cooperation between the visorand display unit is easily adapted to a truck cab and does not adverselyimpact the conventional function or use of a visor, nor adversely impactthe operation of the display unit.

[0031] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. For example, the preceding specification refers to a magnetand striker/catch plate assembly for retaining the visor and displayunit in desired positions. Other catch assemblies can be used with equalsuccess and without departing from the scope and intent of the presentinvention. Likewise, a catch assembly can be used with the heads downdisplay [20′] of FIG. 4 to secure the display unit against thedashboard. If the catch assembly is inadvertently released, theprovision of the friction hinge dampens potential movement of thedisplay unit and precludes free-swinging movement that could startle theoperator. It will also be appreciated that the magnet/catch assembly canbe mounted at various locations on the display unit, vehicle cab, etc.The illustrated locations are merely representative of the function andoperation of the invention. It is intended that the invention beconstrued as including all such modifications and alterations in so faras they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

Having thus described the present invention, it is now claimed:
 1. Amounting assembly for a night vision display unit in a vehiclecompartment, the mounting assembly comprising: a visor pivotally mountedin the associated vehicle compartment position adjacent an upper regionof an associated windshield, the visor movable between a storageposition and a use position; a display unit pivotally mounted in theassociated vehicle compartment position adjacent an upper region of anassociated windshield, the display unit movable between a storageposition and a deployed position; and a first catch for securing atleast one of the display unit and visor in their respective storagepositions.
 2. The mounting assembly of claim 1 further comprising asecond catch for securing the display unit in the storage position whenthe visor is deployed.
 3. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein thefirst catch includes a magnet disposed on one of the visor and thedisplay unit, and a striker mounted on the other of the visor anddisplay unit.
 4. The mounting assembly of claim 3 wherein the striker ismounted in the vehicle compartment for securing the display unit in astorage position when the visor is in a use position.
 5. The mountingassembly of claim 1 wherein the visor includes a hinge along one edgedisposed adjacent the windshield.
 6. The mounting assembly of claim 5wherein the display unit includes a hinge along one edge disposed inspaced relation from the windshield.
 7. The mounting assembly of claim 1wherein the first catch includes a magnet secured to one face of thedisplay unit opposite a display face of the display unit.
 8. Themounting assembly of claim 7 wherein the visor includes a strikersecured to a first face of the visor that faces outwardly when the visoris disposed in the storage position.
 9. The mounting assembly of claim 1wherein the display unit includes a friction hinge that dampens thedisplay unit in a desired orientation between the storage and deployedpositions.
 10. A mounting assembly for securing a night vision displayin a vehicle compartment, the mounting assembly comprising: a nightvision display unit pivotally mounted in the associated vehiclecompartment; and a friction hinge that dampens movement of the displayunit.
 11. The mounting assembly of claim 10 further comprising a strikerand a magnet assembly for retaining the display unit in a storedposition.
 12. The mounting assembly of claim 11 wherein the magnet issecured to a non-display face of the display unit and the striker issecured to the vehicle compartment.
 13. The mounting assembly of claim12 further comprising a second striker secured to a visor for retainingthe display unit in a stored position.
 14. The mounting assembly ofclaim 13 wherein the visor is pivotally secured in the vehiclecompartment along a hinge mounted adjacent the windshield and the nightvision display unit is pivotally secured in the vehicle compartmentalong a hinge mounted in spaced relation to the windshield.
 15. Themounting assembly of claim 10 further comprising a visor pivotallymounted in the vehicle compartment for selective movement betweenstorage and deployed positions, the display unit adapted to overlay thevisor when both the visor and the display unit are in the storedpositions.
 16. The mounting assembly of claim 15 wherein hinges of thevisor and the display unit, respectively, are located along oppositeedges allowing the display unit and visor to overlap when disposed intheir respective stored positions.
 17. The mounting assembly of claim 15further comprising a catch assembly having a first component on thedisplay unit and a second component on the visor.
 18. The mountingassembly of claim 17 wherein the first component is a magnet secured tothe display unit and the second component is a striker secured to thevisor.
 19. The mounting assembly of claim 18 wherein the catch assemblyfurther comprises a second striker in the vehicle compartment thatselectively engages the magnet on the display unit when the visor isdeployed and the display unit is located in the stored position.
 20. Amethod of mounting a display unit in a vehicle compartment that allowsthe display unit to be used without interfering with operation of thevisor comprising the steps of: incorporating a friction hinge into thedisplay unit; and securing the display unit in the vehicle compartmentwith a bracket that receives the hinge.
 21. The method of claim 20comprising the further steps of securing a first striker to a face of avisor; securing a magnet to a face of the display unit for selectiveengagement with the first striker; and securing a second striker in thevehicle compartment for selective engagement with the magnet when thevisor is deployed for use.